Pores… we all have them, and chances are most of us hate them. Truth is, the pores in our skin actually play a very important role in the health of our skin. Problem is, over time, and due to a number of factors ( that we will go into ) these tiny little pores can become clogged and enlarged making them prone to collecting bacteria and causing breakouts. So, what is a pore, and how can what can you be doing at home to reduce the risk of congestion? There are a few things that I would love to share with you, that will hopefully have you feeling much more confident about your skin.
What is a pore?
Pores are tiny openings in your skin that release oil and sweat from your glands. Without these little guys, our skin would not be able to detoxify and renew itself. We have pores over out entire bodies. However, they are more concentrated on the face. Particularly around the nose. If they become clogged with sebum ( our skin natural oil ) sweat or other impurities, this can be a great place for bacteria to multiply and can lead to a number of skin concerns.
Clogged Pores
Clogged pores are just as they sound they are. This is when the pores have become blocked up. This happens when there is a build-up of excess oil, dead skin cells, and sweat, among other things within the pore. Clogged pores can result from a number of factors, especially if you have very oily skin. However, can also be caused by stress, hormones and even your makeup! When choosing your makeup and skincare products, always look for the ones that state they are non-comedogenic. This means that they will not clog your pores. Clogged pores can look a number of ways. You may notice them as blackheads, or even small whiteheads, but sometimes they can be much more serious becoming very inflamed pustules or even cystic acne. Acne is very common during puberty and with hormonal changes, so be sure to keep your pores nice and clean to minimise any further irritation.
So what can you do?
There are a number of things that you can be doing at home to ensure you give your pores some TLC. Here are a few suggestions that will help to keep your pores, and your skin clean and clear.
1. Double cleanse
Always make sure you cleanse your skin in the morning. Yes, even if you have cleansed the night before. Our skin produces cellular waste as we sleep, and we can perspire throughout the night so it is very important to start fresh each day. Whether you are using a gel-based cleanser or a cleansing cream, One cleanse is fine in the morning. However, always make sure you double cleanse at night! Just think of it as the first cleansing away the day and the second cleansing of your skin.
2. Exfoliate your skin
Exfoliating your skin regularly will help to keep those little dead skin cells off the surface of your skin, and out of your pores. Certain exfoliants also include ingredients along that can slow sebum secretions and draw out impurities. You could try ingredients like glycolic acid which helps minimize the appearance of pores and prevents them from becoming enlarged.
3. Try an enzyme mask
Treating your skin with an enzymatic mask will not only hydrate, and brighten your complexion, but it will also help to dissolve the congestion in your pores and help to prevent future build-up. Think of enzymes like little pacemen eating up the glue that holds dead skin together on the outermost layer. They are a gentle, yet effective form of exfoliant making this ideal for all skin types, even sensitive ones. Make sure you do this 1-2 times per week though, to stay on top of those dead cells. Regular exfoliation will also make sure that the goodness from your treatment creams is getting to where they need to be, rather than just sitting on the surface of your skin.
You will love The Hemp Drop Desert Lime Enzyme Mask.
A Vitamin C-infused plant-based enzyme mask to instantly exfoliate, smooth, soften and rejuvenate the skin. Papaya and Bromelain from Pineapple are power exfoliants with antibacterial qualities, stopping blemishes in their tracks. Desert Lime, rich in Vitamin C, is supercharged with Rutin from the Flame Tree to brighten and enhance skin firmness.
Application 1-2 times per week, Smooth a thin layer of enzymes over clean, dry skin, and leave on for 3-15 minutes. Rinse with warms water and apply your desired skincare.
4. Schedule regular facials
As tempting as at home extractions are, this is definitely a job that is best left to your professional. Picking at home, not only increases the bacteria on your skin, but if pores and breakouts are not extracted properly it can result in deeper blemishes and even scarring! If congested pores are a concern, think about booking an acne facial. This will give your therapist adequate time for extracting the congestion and using specialised products and procedures to give your skin that deep clean it is needing.
5. Try a pore strip.
This is one to be careful with! There are plenty of products out there that will claim to do miraculous things, but in fact, can be very harmful to the skin. It is important that you do not use anything that is too adhesive as this can cause damage to the epidermis ( your top layer of skin ) resulting in inflammation and irritation that can take time to repair. So, it is always best to do your research and choose a product that is gentle yet effective.
Try something like the HydroPeptide Bambusa Blackhead Banisher.
Next-generation pore cleansing and refining nose strips with skin-soothing ingredients. This specially formulated blackhead-clearing strip is infused with charcoal, antibacterial volcanic ash, and antioxidant-rich bamboo extract to gently and effectively reduce the look of pores around the nose. The pore-refining strips will soothe sensitivity and redness using nourishing ingredients like aloe, sacred lotus flower and allantoin.
6. Introduce Retinol or a Retinol substitute to your skin.
Retinol can be a powerful tool in helping you unclog the pores on your face. As we know, often clogged pores that start leading to blackheads can be treated by using products that decrease the oil production in your skin. Retinol increases the rate of cell turnover and can build collagen over time while also decreasing oil production and getting rid of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. With regular use this can result in preventing blockages that might lead to clogged pores. It is important to allow your skin to adapt to this powerhouse ingredient. Baby steps are best to ensure your skin responds well and so that it does not cause any irritation or dryness. Start with a lower dose and gradually increase as your skin adapts over time. Retinol is not for every skin. However, If you are someone that does not respond well, there is still hope! Using plant-based retinol such as Bakuchiol is a great alternative that will deliver results without irritation.
Try these
Skin Matrix Rebuild + Serum
This serum uses an encapsulated Vitamin A which reduces typical vitamin A sensitivities. The encapsulated Vitamin A also allows for greater product absorption into the skin. If new to Retinol, use it every other night until the skin has adjusted. Then use 1 pump after cleansing each evening.
Saya renew Serum
A natural vitamin A alternative. This serum is formulated using a blend of 15 botanicals that work in synergy to hydrate, rejuvenate and protect the skin. Bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative, and Kakadu Plum to renew and brighten the skin, as well as the following incredible botanicals to provide protection, balance and hydration
How to use
Apply 6 drops to clean skin massaging directly onto the face, neck and décolletage. Can be mixed in with your daily moisturiser to dilute.
Should you decide to introduce any of these tips into your skin journey, it is important to stick to it, and remember Sunscreen, Sunscreen Sunscreen! Results are not always instant and can take some time. I believe in you. You can do it. xx
Webential